FortWhyte Alive

Canoeing and Kayaking are lifelong sports that are easily learned by all ages and most abilities. Our paddling programs provide you with the knowledge and experience to confidently enjoy your own paddling excursions. Our small sheltered lakes provide the ideal setting for learning the basics of these adventurous pursuits.

Through our partnership with Paddle Manitoba, all our courses use the nationally recognized instructional and safety standards of Paddle Canada. Participants may recieve Paddle Canada certification after completing their courses.

These courses will introduce you to the basics of canoeing. In addition to safety training and equipment education, you will be taught the strokes and manoeuvres that will help you to enhance your on-water experience and confidence. All necessary equipment is provided. Ages 12 and up.

Canoe courses take place at either the FortWhyte Outdoor Adventure Centre, 2505 McGillivray Blvd, or LaBarriere Park, 5 km south of the Perimeter Highway on Waverly St. Please double check schedule for the location of your course.

Download registration form here - PDF

Flat Water Canoe Courses 

Flat Water A Tandem (4 Hours)

FW and PM Members: $55, non-Members: $75, plus GST

This level is a basic introduction to canoeing for people with little or no previous canoe experience. This course covers safety measures, canoe equipment, basic strokes and boat rescues.

1. Mon. May 11, 5–9pm, Adventure Site
2. Mon. June 8, 5–9pm, Adventure Site

Flat Water B Tandem (4 Hours)

FW and PM Members: $55, non-Members: $75, plus GST

Pre requisite: FW A or equivalent - For someone who is comfortable in a canoe and wants to learn more advanced strokes, manoeuvres and situational awareness.

1. Wed, May 20, 5–9pm, Adventure Site
 

Flat Water C Tandem (4 Hours)

FW and PM Members: $55, non-Members: $75, plus GST

Pre requisite: FW B or equivalent - This level builds on the skills introduced in Flat water A and B by refining the techniques and performing the manoeuvres with more precision, giving you the confidence to manage all aspects of controlling your canoe.

1. Thur, July 30, 5–9pm, Adventure Site
 

Flat Water D Solo (6 Hours)

FW and PM Members: $65, non-Members: $85, plus GST

Pre-requisite: FW C or equivalent – This course provides an introduction to solo canoeing.

1. Sat, Aug 15, 9–3pm, Labarriere Park
 

Flat Water A & B Combo (8 Hours)

FW and PM Members: $95, non-Members: $115 , plus GST
1. Sat, May 23, 9am–5pm, Adventure Site
2. Sat, June 6, 9am–5pm, Adventure Site
3. Sat, June 27, 9am–5pm, Labarriere Park
4. Sat, Jul 18, 9am–5pm, Labarriere Park
5. Sat, Aug 15, 9am–5pm, Adventure Site
6. Sat, Sep 5, 9am–5pm, Labarriere Park
7. Sat, Sep 12, 9am–5pm, Adventure Site

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Flat Water Kayak Courses

All courses are 8 hours in length and take place at the FortWhyte Outdoor Adventure Centre, 2505 McGilllivray Blvd.

FW and PM Members: $95, non-Members: $115, plus GST

1. Tues/Thurs, May 19/21, 5–9pm
2. Sat, May 23, 9am–5pm
3. Tues/Thurs, May 26/28, 5–9pm
4. Sat, May 30, 9am–5pm
5. Tues/Thurs, June 9/11, 5–9pm
6. Sat, June 20, 9am–5pm
7. Sat, June 27, 9am–5pm
8. Tues/Thurs, June 30/July 2, 5–9pm
9. Sat, July 4, 9am–5pm
10. Sun, July 14/16, 5–9pm
11. Sat, July 18, 9 am–5pm
12. Sat, August 1, 5–9pm
13. Tue/Thur, Aug 4/5, 5–9pm
14. Sat, August 15, 9am–5pm
15. Tue/Thur, August 18/20, 5–9pm
16. Sat, August 22, 9am–5pm
17. Sat, September 5, 9am–5pm
18. Sat September 12, 9am–5pm

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Paddling Open Houses

Every Tuesday and Thursday evening, 6:30-9pm, June 2–August 27.

Winnipeg’s best selection of Kayaks will be available for you to enjoy, supervised by the paddling pros from Wilderness Supply, Mountain Equipment Co-op and Wave Track. Bring your own boat, or try out one of ours.

$5 admission (per person, ages 11 and under are FREE) in support of FortWhyte’s environmental education programs.

Held at the FortWhyte Adventure Site, 2505 McGillivray Blvd. (not the main FortWhyte Centre on McCreary Rd.)

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Wednesday Evening Nature Paddles

Join Paddle Manitoba for Wednesday evening paddles on the La Salle River at La Barriere Park. These evenings offer an excellent opportunity to meet other people with similar interests, practice new skills, prepare for an upcoming trip or just enjoy a quiet paddle on one of Winnipeg’s wonderful rivers. Canoeing equipment is supplied.

Time:
May 6:30–8:30pm
June & July 7–9pm
August & September 6:30–8:30pm 

Location:
La Barriere Park on the La Salle River. The park is located 5km south of the perimeter highway on Waverly Street.

Contact:
Charles Burchill (204) 453-5374

Register:
Advanced registration is requested as equipment availability may be limited.

Cost:
$5 admission (per person, ages 11 and under are FREE) in support of Paddle Manitoba’s educational programs.